The CCIW was created in 1967 in Burlington, Ontario. It provides a base for
Environment Canada's National Water Research Institute (NWRI), Fisheries and
Oceans Canada, and the Global Environment Monitoring System (GEMS) / Water
Collaborating Centre. The NWRI is Canada's largest freshwater research institute.
The centre houses laboratories, a marine workshop, a library, an auditorium,
and fish specimen archives. The NWRI places its focus on aquatic research
and development. Canadian and international scientists work to find ways of
sustaining our freshwater ecosystems. Through ecosystem-based research, the
NWRI uses its scientific knowledge to develop government policies and programs,
for public decision-making, and to aid in identifying environmental problems.